Election 2008: CDW-G Helps North Carolina State Board of Elections Ensure Accuracy at the Polls
Novel scanner solution to be deployed statewide in time for November presidential election
VERNON HILLS, Ill. - September 2, 2008 - CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), a wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation and leading source of Information Technology (IT) solutions to governments and educators, today announced that its ballot-scanning program with the North Carolina State Board of Elections will be expanded statewide for the November presidential election.
The statewide rollout follows a successful pilot program launched during the May presidential primaries in nine counties where optical scan voting machines enabled voters to record their choices by directly marking the ballot. In the pilot program, poll workers used Symbol P460 bar code scanners from Motorola, Inc. to verify that each voter received the appropriate ballot. The statewide rollout will bring the scanners to all 2,751 North Carolina precincts.
With more than 100 different ballots used in some North Carolina elections, the state called on CDW-G to provide a technology solution that would prevent human error in ballot distribution at polling sites and streamline the ballot distribution process. The solution had to be simple to use, usable for additional, post-election tasks and provide a substantial return on investment to the state.
"With CDW-G's expert advice and Motorola's leading technology, North Carolina can ensure that each voter receives the right ballot," said Marc Burris, North Carolina State Board of Elections IT director. "Not only is the scanner solution extremely easy to use, but it could save our North Carolina election jurisdictions the cost of re-running an election due to ballot distribution errors. Based upon the projected cost avoidance and the overwhelming success of the pilot program, we made the decision to expand the program statewide this fall."
Under the guidance of CDW-G, the State Board of Elections tested several solutions, including handheld bar code scanners and personal digital assistants (PDAs). After evaluating the solutions against its requirements, North Carolina selected the Symbol P460 from Motorola, a wireless bar code scanner with a forward-scanning pistol grip. While the scanner is commonly used for inventory management, CDW-G and Motorola saw beyond the traditional usage model and determined that it could be easily adapted to meet the state's ballot-scanning needs. Poll workers simply scan the bar code on the voter's authorization form and then the bar code on the paper ballot. If the bar codes do not match, an error message is displayed, followed by a distinct tone. The poll worker must then manually scan a new ballot. When the bar codes match, the poll worker receives both visible and audible confirmations.
"With tens or even hundreds of different ballot styles needed in every election, human error in ballot distribution is possible, but it is not inevitable," said Jim Grass, CDW-G senior director of state and local sales. "The right technology, coupled with the state's methodical process at the precincts, makes ballot distribution as simple and accurate as point and click. Most importantly, it strengthens citizens' confidence in the voting process."
Working closely with Motorola, CDW-G helped the state to identify the optimal scanner solution that was not only user friendly, but also had a programmable architecture, allowing the state to develop custom applications. When the P460 bar code scanners are not needed during elections, the custom application capability enables the state to use the scanners to track equipment, thereby bringing added value to the solution.
"The P460 bar code scanner from Motorola is a proven solution that will help the North Carolina State Board of Elections improve the accuracy of elections, help secure the integrity of the vote and help streamline the voting process," said Kevin DeSpain, Motorola director of sales, Mobile Computing and Applications. "The P460 is an easy-to-use scanner that will alert poll workers when incorrect ballots are handed out. These innovative scanners are designed to reduce user fatigue and can be customized to meet the various needs of the Board of Elections on Election Day and beyond."
CDW-G partners with leading technology companies to deliver best-in-class IT solutions featuring top IT brands from more than 1,000 manufacturers, providing state and local government customers with the technology that best meets their unique needs. For an in-depth look at the North Carolina State Board of Elections scanner solution, view the case study at http://business.motorola.com/publicsafety/secondnatureCampaigns/pdf/nc_election_case_study_FINAL.pdf.
About CDW-G
A wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation, ranked No. 39 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies, CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G) is a leading provider of technology solutions for federal, state and local government agencies, as well as educational institutions at all levels. The company features dedicated account managers who help customers choose the right technology products and services to meet their needs. The company's technology specialists and engineers offer expertise in designing customized solutions, while its advanced technology engineers can assist customers with the implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Areas of focus include notebooks, desktops, printers, servers and storage, unified communications, security, wireless, power and cooling, networking, software licensing and mobility solutions.
For more information about CDW-G product offerings, procurement options, service and solutions, call 1.800.808.4239, email cdwgsales@cdwg.com or visit the CDW-G Web site at CDWG.com.
|
|
|
